Therapist Team

Kyle McBurney (MAPS)

Senior Psychologist

Board-Approved Supervisor

Clinical Director

B.PsychSci (Hons), CReC, MAPS
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Psychological Society.
* Association of Applied Sports Psychology.
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Kyle is the Principal Psychologist and Founder of Queensland Psychology Group. He provides psychotherapy and coaching services to adults, couples, and families, and is also a Board-Approved Supervisor with a strong interest in supporting the development of fellow psychologists through clinical supervision.

Kyle’s clinical work focuses on complex interpersonal and family-system presentations, developmental and relational trauma, attachment processes, parenting, family and domestic violence, and performance-related concerns with athletes. His approach is grounded in psychodynamic, family systemic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed frameworks, with an emphasis on understanding patterns that shape relationships, behaviour, and emotional experience over time.

Kyle works from an insight-oriented and person-centred position, helping clients make sense of their experiences while developing the psychological capacity and skills needed for sustainable change. He places particular importance on the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for effective work and integrates a range of evidence-based approaches as clinically appropriate, rather than applying a fixed or prescriptive model.

With a strong respect for both the science and the craft of psychotherapy, Kyle views therapy as a collaborative and thoughtful process — one that supports reflection, growth, and meaningful long-term change. He brings a steady, considered presence to his work and is committed to helping clients move toward greater understanding, resilience, and wellbeing.

Alongside his clinical work, Kyle fosters a practice culture that emphasises professional autonomy, reflective practice, and clinical excellence. He supports associate team members to work thoughtfully and independently, while maintaining high standards of care and encouraging ongoing professional development through regular, informed dialogue.

Availability: 4 Days Per Week – Calendar Open, with Extended Wait Times for New Clients.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/mr-kyle-mcburney/psychologist/447001

Sandra van Kerkwyk (née Don)

Associate Psychologist

Clinical Family Therapist (AAFT)

Board-Approved Supervisor

B.SocSci (Psych), PostGradDipPsych, AdvCert Systemic Family Therapy
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Sandra is a Psychologist and Clinical Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional distress. Sandra is particularly interested in how our early relationships, significant life experiences, and family patterns shape the way we relate to ourselves and others over time.

In therapy, Sandra aims to understand not just the symptoms people are experiencing, but the broader context in which they make sense. She works collaboratively to explore patterns in relationships, attachment, communication, and coping, and how these patterns may have developed as ways of managing past or current challenges.

Sandra’s approach is relational, trauma-informed, and systemic. She draws on attachment theory, family systems work, and psychodynamic approaches, while staying grounded in what is happening in the room and in the client’s day-to-day life. Sandra supports clients to develop greater self-awareness, emotional understanding, and more flexible ways of relating to themselves and others.

Sandra believes therapy works best when it is a space that feels safe, thoughtful, and respectful — where people can reflect honestly on their experiences, understand themselves with more compassion, and move toward change at a pace that feels manageable and meaningful.

Sandra accepts Medicare, NDIS, Workcover, Insurance and Private referrals, and also offers Saturday appointments.

Availability: 3 Days Per Week – Calendar Open.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/mrs-sandra-van-kerkwyk/psychologist/682131

Ashlee Pastega

Associate Psychologist

B.PsychSci (Hons)
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Ashlee is a Psychologist with general registration. She has several years of clinical and non-clinical experience in the public sector working across the lifespan with children, adolescents, adults and older people. Ashlee has a special interest in working with issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment to illness or life change, and relationship difficulties.

She has experience using a number of evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

Ashlee takes a person-centred approach to therapy and places a high importance on building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients. She is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to empower them to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Availability: Calendar Closed, Due to Mat-Leave.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/mrs-ashlee-pastega/psychologist/1302861

Lee Herring

Associate Psychologist

B.PsychSci (Hons)
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Lee is a Psychologist with general registration who works with adult clients. With a strong belief in everyone’s capacity for growth and change, Lee has a passion for creating space in the therapy room for meaningful self-reflection in order for her clients to tap into their innate capability for healing and transformation.

She has experience working therapeutically with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, addiction, chronic health conditions, self-esteem, confidence and assertiveness difficulties.

Lee presents with a well-crafted approach to therapy which is both compassionate and non-judgemental as well as strength-based. Within her person-centred approach Lee will look to utilise a range of evidence-based psychological treatments including but not limited to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectal Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Therapy and Solution-Focussed approaches.

Lee strives to empower her clients and encourages them to know that they are the masters of their own life, and with a commitment to healing, a little encouragement, and some helpful strategies, they can both navigate their way through challenging times and continue to grow.

Availability: 4-5 Days Per Week – Calendar Open.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/mrs-lee-herring/psychologist/1017991

Andrew Jacobson

Associate Psychologist

B.PsychSci (Hons)
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Andrew is a Psychologist with general registration and is driven by a profound empathy for his clients to create a warm and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.

Drawing on his experience working with diverse populations, Andrew has developed a deep understanding of the unique struggles faced by adolescents and adults alike. His approach is centred on helping clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, thoughts, and values and he is passionate about helping individuals cultivate a rich and purpose-driven life.

Andrew has experience using evidence-based treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy to support a wide range of presenting concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, interpersonal difficulties, and he also has a strong interest in supporting neurodiverse clients.

Availability: 4-5 Days Per Week – Calendar Open.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/mr-andrew-jacobson/psychologist/1451621

Hayley Ridley

Associate Psychologist

B.PsychSci (Hons)
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Hayley Ridley is a Psychologist with general registration who brings a relaxed, person-centred approach to therapy, focusing on identifying strengths and building skills alongside her clients. She is committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and develop actionable strategies to achieve their personal goals. Hayley has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and interpersonal difficulties. She also has experience in behaviour support within the NDIS framework, working with individuals to develop strategies for emotional regulation, skill development, and complex behaviours.

Hayley values creating a genuine and relatable therapeutic space, where clients feel comfortable to openly explore their experiences. Her flexible style allows her to adapt to each client’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness-Based approaches, and Solution-Focused Therapy. With a strong belief in collaborative and strengths-based care, Hayley values walking alongside her clients throughout their journey, providing guidance and support as they work toward meaningful and sustainable change.

Availability: 4-5 Days Per Week – Calendar Open.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/profile/ms-hayley-ridley/psychologist/1676901

Hannah Giannangelo

Associate Psychologist

B.PsychSci (Hons), M.Psych(ClinPsych)
Memberships and Affiliations:
* Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA).

Hannah has recently graduated from Master of Clinical Psychology who brings a warm, thoughtful and adaptable approach to therapy. With previous experience working across child and adolescent settings, she is now focused on further enhancing her therapeutic approach within adult mental health, supporting her clients through a broad range of presentations.

She has worked in both custodial and hospital environments, providing her with strong clinical versatility and the ability to work confidently with complex presentations. These experiences have shaped her calm, grounded approach and reinforced the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and supportive therapeutic space.

Hannah is open to working with individuals across all concerns and values building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable, understood, and supported. She draws from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and in more recent times has been intently focused on building a trauma informed approach to her clinical practice.

She provides thoughtful, evidence-based care that supports clients in working through complexity and developing skills for long-term wellbeing.

Availability: 4-5 Days Per Week – Calendar Open.

Online Booking: https://www.halaxy.com/book/appointment/miss-hannah-giannangelo/psychologist/1751205/424101

Client Relationship Team

Mahney Forrest

Operational Director

B.Ed (Prim), GradCert.Ed (EC)
An integral part of our Client Relationship Team, Mahney operates as our Director at QPG. With over a decade of leadership experience in the Education sector, Mahney is passionate about supporting our team, to ensure the Client journey is both an enjoyable and seamless process.

Kelly Thompson

Acting Practicing Manager


Kelly is usually the first friendly contact point of our Client Relationship Team. Kelly comes from a diverse background having worked in multiple industries including Defence, Education, Public Sector and Health. Kelly has over 15 years’ experience in the Allied Health industry and is committed to delivering a professional, empathetic service; to ensure the Client experience with QPG is a positive one.

Cate Gauci

Client Relationship Team

Cate is the newest member of the Queensland Psychology Group team. A Mackay local, she brings enthusiasm and a collaborative attitude to the practice and is currently completing her studies in Psychology at university.